Bob and Elay: Days till "I Do."

Okay, where do I even begin?

The past week, I wasn’t able to go online, being a hands-on bride is not that easy. Sometimes it makes me want to hire a wedding coordinator but then… I don’t want to spend that much.

Sunday - The whole gang - Bob, Me, Joy, Ate Tin, Kuya Mel and Isha went to scout for a wedding venue. First stop was the church. I fell in love with the church the moment I saw it. It was suggested by Joy, by the way. I loved the altar and I could see myself marching down the aisle agad. It’s like an instant connection, my heart jumped for joy when we found out that the date we wanted is still available, I took it as a sign.

Then we went to scout for wedding reception venues. We went to Villa Ronar and Cobo Resort. Villa Ronar was pricey, and it’s not even that “okay”. They charge 7k for corkage fee, okay na sana eh. Haha. Cobo Resort, really nice, and it’s not that expensive. Only factor is the distance. It’s a bit far from the Church.

Monday - I went to the church and made the reservation. I was really palpitating before I even got there, I wanted the date really bad. When I got there, Ate Jhe recognized me at once and said, “Mukhang nakapagdesisiyon ka na ah…” I smiled. Got the date. MAY 8 IT IS!

On my way out, I saw a couple of florists within the area and decided to inquire. The first one I saw was Jack and Julie’s Flower Shop, just across the church. She gave me a pretty tempting offer… everything for just 3.5k. I don’t want to spend that much on bridal bouquet so I personally think it’s okay already. Gave her a downpayment as well.

After the visit to the florist, I went to Marikina Sports Center to meet with Ate Tin. I got surprised when I saw my cousin, John2x with her. He kept on teasing me pa nga, I’m just a few months older than him kasi, he couldn’t believe that I’m getting married.

Had lunch at 3Moms, hefty lunch at that, nevermind the diet, I was starving. After around 30 mins, Tita Tess and Isha came and we went to scout for a wedding reception venue.

First stop: Villa Sto. Nino in Vista Valley. I can’t say anything bad about the place, it was really beautiful, spacious and fits my taste for a garden/outdoor reception. The only thing is the price. Tumataginting na 35k. I’m not sure if I’m willing to spend that much on a private resort, edi might as well get Mango Farm?

Second stop: Somewhere in Masinag. Haha. We didn’t even reach the place.

Third Stop: Star Circle Resort - it was so-so. Okay, but not that appealing in my taste. Pero mura, in fairness. I just didn’t like the ambiance.

Fourth Stop: La Veranda, Marikina - hands down. It was like a mini-fernwoods style of venue, but the main concern would be: First, price, again a hefty 35k, and the space. It’s not that big, plus parang masyadong covered yung place, sabi mainit daw dun. (I heard)

Fifth Stop: World of Butterflies, Marikina - Tempting. So tempting, we pencil booked for May 8.

First things first: Location - it’s quite accessible from the church. Guests can even take a tricycle from the church to the location.

Price - Tempting offer of 8k for the whole venue.

Facade - Garden type facade, perfect for my motif.

Parking - ample.

Now, the concerns:

It looks a bit plain, I think we’d need to work out a good lighting for the place. Perhaps, mood lighting? I want drapes all over the place, but I’m not sure how that will do for the ventilation. They don’t have inhouse sound system so we’re going to hire pa.

We decided that if it’s going to be at the World of Butterflies, might as well incorporate the butterfly theme in the whole wedding.

The thing is, if we pull it off here at Butterfly Garden (I don’t know why I kept calling it that), it’ll be amazing.

We decided to call it a day after visiting WOB, we were dead tired already.

Tuesday - Bob and I went to the church coz they needed us to appear personally to fill up some documents. What we didn’t know was that, we were in for on the spot interview. We filled up a form with all sorts of question, like when we met, if we promise not to use a condom, etc etc. We got the “Patawag” letter, which Bob will have to bring to Cabanatuan, and I have to bring to Cainta for “Marriage Banns”. It’s a long 3-week process. Also, we got the schedules of our seminars, etc. Our Saturdays from the month of Feb and March are now, officially, fully-booked.

After the church requirements, I showed Bob the reception venue. He said it was perfect, and that he just needs a little help from Mako and they will be able to make it a really beautiful reception venue.

Finally, a sigh of relief.

But then, Tita Tess called and said there’s another venue near Marikina that we can go to, just in case. We went straight to Blue Wave @ Marquinton but to be frank, I didn’t like the place. Not an indoor type of person. Haha. Bob went home early to catch up with his works, and I went straight to Tita Tess’ humble abode.

And before we even called it a day, Ate Tin and I went to Robinson’s Metro East to buy papers for the invitations. And inquired about Hair and Make UP.

Wednesday - I stayed at home. Then I realized, it’s not good for me to stay at home, all sorts of weird ideas kept popping in my head, I can’t make them to shut up.

All of a sudden, I was thinking of having it in Cobo Resort.

Then a morning wedding.

You know, all that inconsistencies. It’s a good thing Ate Tin is with me all throughout the planning stage. I would have gone crazy by myself.